Swimming season kicks off in Prague with free entry at renovated hotspot

The summer swimming season is getting underway in Prague, with one of the city’s long-standing natural bathing spots welcoming visitors in a slightly unusual way this year: free entry for the entire 2026 season.

Motol Swim Centre, a popular natural reservoir in western Prague, has reopened as construction work on new facilities continues. Despite delays linked to cold weather earlier in the year, city officials say visitors will not be affected, with a temporary setup in place and full operations expected later this summer.

For Prague residents, the reopening marks the unofficial start of the city’s outdoor swimming season, which typically runs from May through September and includes a wide range of natural biotopes, pools, and urban beach areas across the capital.

Motol Swim Centre reopened on May 22, with the city confirming that entry will remain free throughout the 2026 season due to ongoing construction work on new facilities. In 2025, full-day admission ran CZK 140 for adults.

According to Prague City Hall, the completion of a new service building has been delayed until July after winter weather disrupted construction. Once finished, the facility will include changing rooms, toilets, showers, and a small food service area, improving the long-term comfort of the site.

In the meantime, visitors are using a temporary setup that includes mobile facilities and a seasonal refreshment stand, which is expected to operate from early June through September.

City officials say the decision to keep entry free reflects the incomplete infrastructure, but also aims to maintain access to one of Prague’s more relaxed natural swimming spots during peak summer months.

The Motol site, located in a green valley area in western Prague, has long been known for its simple, low-key character compared with larger commercial swimming complexes. That reputation is expected to continue even after the new building is completed.

Motol is not the only swimming site seeing changes this year. Several Prague districts are continuing upgrades to outdoor pools and biotope areas as demand for public recreation spaces rises.

In Prague 4, the Lhotka Outdoor Swimming Pool is undergoing further revitalization, with new sports facilities, improved pathways, and expanded leisure infrastructure planned for the 2026 season. The district is also considering future additions such as saunas and other year-round use facilities.

At the same time, Prague 6’s Petynka Outdoor Swimming Centre has reopened for the season despite ongoing construction of an indoor swimming hall. Capacity has been reduced, and some recreational facilities are temporarily unavailable, but the outdoor pool remains in operation.

Prague offers a wide range of outdoor swimming options, from chlorinated municipal pools to natural biotopes and riverfront beaches. Popular sites include Divoká Šárka, Hostivařská přehrada, and Žluté lázně, along with numerous smaller neighborhood pools.

Water quality in natural swimming areas is regularly monitored by health authorities, and conditions can vary depending on rainfall and temperature. Most facilities operate seasonal hours, typically opening in mid-May and closing in early September.

Prices and access rules also differ widely. Some sites, like Motol this year, may be free or low-cost, while larger complexes such as Aquapalace Praha or Podolí Swimming Stadium charge standard admission fees.

As Prague enters another warm season, city officials expect strong attendance across all major swimming sites, particularly during heatwaves when demand for outdoor recreation typically peaks. See our roundup here for a full list of summer swimming options in the Czech capital.